F5 Giving Tuesday 2024: Empowering Causes Through Passionate Giving

José Luis Barriga, Network Support Engineer, Mexico

I’m supporting: Hospital Infantil Teletón de Oncología, (HITO), part of Fundación Teletón México

Why this cause is meaningful to me: For the past seven years, I have volunteered at HITO every Saturday, supporting children with cancer. Witnessing their courage and resilience as they face and overcome this challenging disease has been deeply inspiring and humbling. The bonds we create during this journey are incredibly special, and seeing these children defeat cancer and return to their normal lives after months or even years of treatment fills me with joy.

HITO is one of the few hospitals worldwide dedicated exclusively to providing specialized care for children with cancer. As a Teletón Friend, we organize recreational activities for the children every weekend, helping them momentarily forget the challenges of their treatments. This work brings joy and emotional relief, which are crucial for their healing journey.

Nael Saoud, Business Development Rep, Ireland

I’m supporting: Nasc, the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre

Why this cause is meaningful to me: Nasc, the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre, focuses on promoting the rights of migrants and refugees in Ireland through advocacy, support programs, and policy campaigns. This cause is deeply meaningful to me as a refugee because Nasc changed my life. Not only did Nasc help me continue my education, but it also supported me emotionally and mentally, giving me the strength to rebuild my life. The team’s compassion and dedication showed me the power of community and the importance of giving back. That’s why I later chose to work and volunteer with Nasc, helping other refugees find the same hope and opportunity that I was given.

Nasc works tirelessly to empower migrants and refugees through tailored programs that address education, integration, and employment opportunities. It also creates pathways for refugees to come to Ireland safely, ensuring their dignity and potential are upheld. As someone who has both benefited from and contributed to their work, I know first-hand the transformative impact it has on lives. Its work is not just about support; it’s about creating lasting change for individuals, families, and communities.

Jordan Cochran, Social Media Marketing Manager, USA

I’m supporting: American Brain Tumor Association

Why this cause is meaningful to me: In 2019, my father was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, and passed away after a difficult battle. Since then, my sister has pursued graduate studies in Chicago, focusing on brain cancer research. Over nearly 50 years, the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) has awarded more than $34 million in research grants to scientists globally. ABTA’s Research Program supports both established and emerging scientists—like my sister—who are working to better understand the causes, effects, diagnoses, and treatment of brain tumors.

While the ABTA is committed to advancing critical research, its impact goes far beyond funding research; it also provides essential support for patients and their families, meeting the unique needs of each individual affected by a brain tumor diagnosis. For instance, while my sister sought scientific answers, my Mom, as a caregiver, found comfort in emotional support and connecting with others’ experiences. For me, the drive to take action and make a meaningful difference for families navigating a similar diagnosis became my focus. ABTA’s holistic approach in supporting both research and families is vital, recognizing that everyone copes in their own way and ensuring that individuals receive the right kind of support at every stage of their journey.

Maayan Gafni, Principal Engineer, Israel

I’m supporting: The Association for Premature Infants in Israel

Why this cause is meaningful to me: LAHAV helps premature babies get the healthcare they need so they can develop and flourish, while also providing their parents with knowledge and support. My relationship with LAHAV stems from my own experience, when my healthy pregnancy ended prematurely in the 30th week with my baby weighing only one kilogram. My journey started there, and each year in Israel 15,000 premature babies and their parents start their own similar (but unique) journeys. Those babies fight for their lives the second they are born, and their parents face stress, fear, and lots of uncertainty. LAHAV gives them (as it gave and still gives to me) a place where they are never alone—it helps them understand their rights and provides the necessary knowledge so they can handle this scary time as well as possible, while making sure all babies get the best care to grow up and become as healthy as possible.

I manage WhatsApp and Facebook parents’ groups, which help share knowledge and provide the parents with a community that understands them. I also manage a hotline, through which parents can get all the answers they need—from legal rights, to medical questions and mental support. I direct issues to the relevant people—inside our community and externally to the official health departments—and make sure each baby’s needs are met. By doing so, I make it possible for LAHAV’s CEO to work on other important issues, improving the lives of premature babies and their parents across Israel.

Akshara Sharma, HR Business Partner, India

I’m supporting: Nayi Disha

Why this cause is meaningful to me: Nayi Disha ("where hope meets courage") is an organization that empowers and equips families with a member who has developmental disabilities to become change agents in their loved one’s development, ensuring no family is left behind. People with disabilities are often seen as a burden to society. Since my school and college days, I have witnessed their struggles and had the opportunity to volunteer and support their families with the right knowledge and access to government schemes. Unfortunately, families of people with disabilities are often shunned by society due to the belief that it is a curse. I aim to raise awareness that everyone deserves an equal opportunity and, with the right support, families can become change-makers for their loved ones and the broader community.

Nayi Disha is a lifelong partner for families who are the primary caregivers for children affected by autism and other developmental disabilities. It helps the child reach their true potential by providing families with counselling, guidance, and hope through a reliable and evolving digital hub and supportive peer community. This hub is a rich source of information and resources, expert networks, and helplines. Its work is vital, as it provides parents who are the primary caregivers with informational resources available in regional languages, thereby reaching families at the grassroots level.